TV host Lorraine Kelly didn't hold back as she criticised the decision to add a trigger warning to Midsomer Murders.
On Monday's episode of her ITV talk show, Lorraine was joined by Lucie Cave who elaborated on the caution added to the popular murder mystery series. Lucie explained that the trigger warning was due to some episodes featuring "violence even crime scene images" and "murders are not carried out of the gentle kind".
Upon hearing this, Lorraine seemed unconvinced and visibly frustrated with the addition of the warning. While acknowledging that trigger warnings can be crucial in certain instances, Lorraine argued that the title Midsomer Murders already implies that it would likely involve murder.
READ MORE: ITV Good Morning Britain viewers issue same complaint minutes into show
The presenter vented: "Yeah but we know! It's called Midsomer Murders. We know there will be a murder- even more than one! Lorraine continued: "But saying there might be- you know- maybe violence in Midsomer Murders is like saying today watching Wimbledon there may well be bouncing balls."
Some viewers seemed to side with Lorraine, with one fan taking to X to comment: "ITV is bonkers. There are murders in Midsomer Murders but they are not usually gruesome ones. What type of people need a warning when the title describes the content?" reports the Express.
Game Of Thrones star Anton Lesser, known for his roles in the episodes Talking To The Dead and Birds Of Prey, has weighed in on the new content warning feature. He commented: "I understand the good intentions of broadcasters who take care to warn of effects like flashing images, but I'm surprised something like Midsomer Murders warrants a warning."
He humorously recalled a scene from his own experience, saying: "I do remember my character in Birds Of Prey hurling a plate of sausages to the floor - perhaps there should be a disclaimer, 'No sausages were hurt in this film.'"
Since its inception in 1997, the beloved drama Midsomer Murders has racked up an impressive tally of on-screen carnage, with 388 murders, 423 deaths, and 250 attempted murders. Memorable moments of demise include the time ex-Eastenders star Martine McCutcheon's character met her end under a giant wheel of cheese in a cave, and the unfortunate hotel maid who died in an oversized tumble dryer.
An ITVX spokesperson addressed the introduction of the new warning, stating: "Programming that contains potentially sensitive or distressing themes, content or language has carried appropriate guidance since our launch. We regularly review our catalogue to ensure the right guidance is in place."
